ACT IV.SCENE I.
Lucia and Marcia.
Lucia.
NOW tell me, Marcia, tell me from thy soul.
If thou believ'st 'tis possible for woman
To suffer greater ills than Lucia suffers?
Mar.O Lucia, Lucia, might my big swoln heart
Vent all its griefs, and give a loose to sorrow;
Marcia cou'd answer thee in sighs, keep pace
With all thy woes, and count out tear for tear.
Luc.I know thou'rt doom'd alike, to be belov'd
By Juba, and thy father's friend Sempronius.
But which of these has power to charm like Portius!
Marc.Still I must beg thee not to name Semproniius!
Lucia, I like not that loud boist'rous man;
Juba to all the brav'ry of a hero
Adds softest love, and more than female sweetness;
Juba might make the proudest o£ our sex.
Any of woman-kind, but Marcia, happy.
Luc.And why not Marcia? Come, you strive in vain
To hide your thoughts from one, who knows too well
The inward glowings of a heart in love.
Marc.While Cato lives, bis daughter has no right
To love or hate, but as his choice directs.
Luc.But shou'd this father give you to Sempronius!
Marc.I dare not think he will: but if he should—
Why wilt thou add to all the griefs I suffer
Imaginary ills, and fancy'd tortures?
I hear the sound of feet! they march this way
Let us retire, and try if we can drown
Each softer thought in sense of present danger.
When love once pleads admission to our hearts
(In spite of all the virtues we can boast)
The woman that deliberates is lost.[Exeunt.
